Fiber cement siding is one of the most popular (and robust) siding options on the market today. Beautifully emulating the look of stone, shingles, clapboard, and more, it can last for decades while being resistant to fire, pests, and storms. But what exactly is it made of? And why is it a great choice for home siding? Let’s explore that below.
What is Fiber Cement Siding Is Made Of?
As a long-lasting and durable cladding option for your home, fiber cement siding is a manufactured material that provides an outstanding balance of curbside appeal and practical advantages. It also comes in an assortment of profiles: wood-like, brick, stone, stucco, and concrete tiles & stones. The versatility alone is a big plus!
Created from a mixture of wood fiber, sand, Portland cement, and water, this siding allows for a wide range of shapes, colors, and applications. The most well-known type is called Hardie Board, which is a shining example of why this siding is so popular.
Pros and Cons of Fiber Cement Siding
As with any other siding, from genuine wood to stone to vinyl, fiber cement siding has its major benefits and some drawbacks. When skillfully installed, it offers a plethora of advantages while emulating the most attractive looks. Of course, there are a few downsides.
When deciding on what works for your particular needs, you’ll definitely want to weigh these considerations. Below, you’ll find the various pros and cons of this siding product.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
1. Versatility
Fiber cement siding is the chameleon of home exterior cladding. Since it’s manufactured, it can be formed into many styles, shapes, and colors. From stone to stucco, this siding offers the look of these classic options with several added bonuses.
2. Maintenance
Other than having to recoat (more on that in the disadvantages section), the siding is super easy to care for. Essentially, it only requires an annual cleaning – a power washing is a great way to do so – to keep looking fantastic.
3. Durability
Typically coming with a 30- or 50-year warranty (for non-back coated and back coated, respectively), fiber cement siding is extremely hardy. It’s not unusual to see it last for many decades when consistently maintained.
4. Resistance
Made primarily of sand and cement, this product is basically fireproof. It can take on direct flame without catching (but the heat will transfer to the other side). It can also withstand severe weather. Last but not least, fiber cement siding is resistant to both insects and rot, allowing for years of hassle-free protection.
5. Environmental Impact
As opposed to some other siding products, fiber cement siding doesn’t in and of itself release toxic elements. It isn’t recyclable, but its composition makes it an eco-friendly neutral pick.
Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding
1. Cost
There’s a price for all the awesome advantages – decades of durability, a ton of resistance to the elements, various styles & colors – that this siding offers. Compared to vinyl, for instance, it can cost two or even three times as much per square foot.
2. Paint
Primed fiber cement provides the ability to paint it whatever color you choose. The downside is that it will have to be repainted periodically (generally 7 to 10 years). Pre-painted siding, however, typically comes with a 15-year warranty against peeling.
3. Cracks
This is a common issue with Hardie Board, which tends to be more fragile. It comes down to making sure the siding is installed properly. Also, if gaps are too wide, this can allow moisture to seep into the siding. This can cause major cracking.
4. Moisture Issues
As mentioned previously, moisture can be a concern. There are three factors that can cause issues: seepage through the material, cut ends during installation, and improper caulking & sealing. Skilled installation is key to combat this problem.
5. Insulation
If you’re looking for a siding option that offers substantial temperature regulation, fiber cement siding on its own does not offer a lot. But if your home is sufficiently insulated, then this might not be a huge issue for your requirements.
6. Installation
Also, if fiber cement siding is not installed properly, you can face a few issues. These include loosening and buckling. Make sure to hire a qualified installer for a clean installation with proper gaps and so on. This will save you unnecessary headaches, so you can enjoy the look and performance of this amazing material.
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Now that you have a better understanding of fiber cement siding, you might be interested in finding an affordable, licensed, and insured fiber cement siding contractor. CLAD Siding takes all the pain out of the process. Request your quote today!
